[Hiring] Environmental Project Manager @Arizona Department of Administration

Role Description

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) is seeking an experienced Project Manager to join our Surface Water Protection Section. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of managing complex environmental projects related to water quality and protection. This position offers a unique opportunity to lead initiatives aimed at preserving and enhancing Arizona's surface water resources while ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations.

This position is available for remote work on a full-time basis within Arizona (including virtual office arrangements).

The State of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords employees flexibility, autonomy, and trust. Across our many agencies, boards, and commissions, many State employees participate in the State’s Remote Work Program and are able to work remotely in their homes, in offices, and in hoteling spaces. All work, including remote work, should be performed within Arizona unless an exception is properly authorized in advance.

Job Duties

• End-to-End Management: Lead and execute complex projects focused on Arizona Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (AZPDES) permitting, compliance, water quality monitoring, and field inspections.
• Strategic Planning: Develop comprehensive project charters, realistic milestones, and resource-allocated budgets to ensure on-time, within-scope delivery.
• Cross-Functional Coordination: Act as the central hub connecting Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), permit writers, field inspectors, compliance officers, and legal/technical staff to streamline workflows and achieve agency objectives.
• Data Integrity & Management: Oversee the analysis, interpretation, and quality assurance of surface water quality data.
• Technical Translation: Translate complex environmental data and regulatory requirements into high-quality, actionable reports, executive summaries, and presentations for ADEQ leadership, EPA region 9, and diverse public audiences.
• Regulated Community Collaboration: Collaborate with federal, state, and local government agencies, tribal nations, industry leaders, and other stakeholders to advance surface water protection initiatives.
• Multidisciplinary Leadership: Provide daily guidance, mentorship, and technical direction to teams of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), permit writers, field inspectors, compliance officers, and legal/technical staff.
• Culture Building: Cultivate an inclusive, high-performing team environment aligned with ADEQ values, encouraging professional growth and data-driven problem-solving.
• Process Optimization: Proactively identify bottlenecks in process pipelines, implementing project management best practices and Lean/Continuous Improvement tools to boost efficiency and reduce backlog.
• Innovation: Champion new tools, automated workflows, or field technologies to enhance the overall effectiveness and speed of surface water protection efforts.
• Attend quarterly in-person meetings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in environmental science, engineering, natural resources management, or a related field. Master's degree preferred.
• Level 3: 5 years of experience in project management related to environmental law and/or regulation, permitting, and monitoring. A master's degree in a related field may substitute for two years of experience. Doctorate in a related field may substitute for four years of experience.
• Level 4: 8 years of experience in project management related to environmental law and/or regulation, permitting, and monitoring. A master's degree in a related field may substitute for two years of experience. Doctorate in a related field may substitute for four years of experience.
• Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) or Project Management Professional (PMP) through the Project Management Institute (PMI).

Requirements

• Strong understanding of state and federal regulations governing surface water quality and environmental protection.
• Demonstrated experience in data analysis, interpretation, and reporting related to environmental projects.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to effectively communicate technical information to diverse stakeholders.
• Proven leadership abilities, including experience leading multidisciplinary teams and managing complex projects.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.
• Experience working with government agencies, community organizations, and industry stakeholders preferred.

Benefits

• 10 paid holidays per year
• Accrual of sick and annual leave beginning at 12 and 13 days per year respectively for full-time employees
• Paid Parental Leave - Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
• A top-ranked retirement program with lifetime pension benefits
• A robust and affordable insurance plan to include medical, dental, life, short-term and long-term disability
• An incentivized commuter club and public transportation subsidy program
• We promote the importance of work/life balance by offering workplace flexibility
• We offer a variety of learning and career development opportunities